Obsession ( boyxboy )

Chapter Six

Later that day, Chris walked down to the park to clear his mind. He sat on a bench and examined the fresh scars on his wrist.

Then, he heard barking and the sound of a familiar voice.

He raised his head and saw Rosemary walking down the paved path, followed by a golden retriever puppy.

Chris smiled. "I didn't know you had a dog," he said, watching the puppy chase his own tail.

She sat besides him. "I didn't until, literally, two hours ago. My dad decided I should have one." She sounded bitter.

Chris only stared. He didn't know her well enough to offer advise or inquire any further.

"You don't talk much, do you? Not even when Anthony was around. You never said a word."

At the mention of Anthony's name, Chris sighed and leaned back on the bench. His eyes focused on the orange sky. "I can't be bothered with most people. Your friends, no offense, are all so shallow and superficial."

Rosemary frowned. "Is that why you stopped tutoring Anthony?"

Chris turned, mouth partially open, but no words came out. He shook his head.

"Yeah, his parents hired a tutor," she said.

"I heard," he said, slowly. "His parents can afford it. So, why not?"

She had the appearance of an oil painting come to life. Her complexion was smooth and fair. The green hue of her eyes blended into an array of shades. For the first time, Chris recognized her beauty. He restrained envy.

" I noticed you haven't been talking to him the last few days," she said.

He didn't respond. Stretching his arms, he stood up. "I have to go. Nice talking to you," he said.

Rosemary also stood. "Yeah, you can come over for dinner, if you want. My mom's dying to meet you. She can't stop talking about you... She sort of knows everyone in the community. Most of our neighbors have been living here for years." Rosemary said with a dramatic eye roll. "Anyway, she would like to meet the neighbors. "

He didn't understand why, of all people, Rosemary had taken a sudden interest in him. Did she suspect something?

"My mom works night shifts at Lowell General."

"Well, why don't you come over on your own, tonight?"

Chris hesitated a moment, trying to figure out what to say, but he couldn't think of an excuse not to go. "Sure, why not?"

Her red lips stretched into a smile. "Cool, see you later."